Crunchy Owner Thriving On New Challenges
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Invercargill’s Crunchy business is growing by the day – and by night the owner quietly works away engineering new developments for his company.
Benji Biswas started Crunchy selling micro greens and edible flowers from his urban vertical farm in a garage three years ago.
Initially his business supplied about 30 local cafes and restaurants, but now his products are in supermarkets all over the South Island.
He’s also moved into a large warehouse in Conon St and employs two full-time and four part-time staff.
The 32-year-old Indian national first came to Invercargill nine years ago through a John Wright Sports and Academic Scholarship from SIT for cricket.
The former electronics & Instrumentation engineer built his own grower machine to make life easier in the business, and is always working on upgrading his technology.
“We have reset our vision early this year and are really excited to work towards it. Crunchy is leading the way in product innovation compared to what is available around the world right now in this field, and we have developed another five new micro-green products in addition to the existing ones.
“We are super excited to show the world what is possible with these tiny superfoods this year,” he said.
Taking out three categories in the Southland Business Excellence Awards last year (New and Emerging business, One to Watch and Innovation), Crunchy was also picked as a finalist for the Supreme award.
The business is also working towards becoming 100% waste free sustainable through recycling and reusing all its bio waste.
Using organic premium compost and being 100% spray free, his most popular product is the ‘Eat A Rainbow’ mixture of micro greens.
“There are some really cool products on the way…I want to see this type of model around the world. Our aim is to lead the way in the industry globally.”
Over the years Benji has modified the technology which has changed his operation significantly.
“We can now grow more with less (resources).”
For this former cricket player and coach, he loves the pace of the job and thrives on the next challenge.
“People tell me – you need to slow down, but that’s not good for my mental health. We love what we’re doing and that’s my nature. I thrive on this.”
Follow Crunchy on Facebook or visit crunchy.co.nz